Jenny folded her arms across her body. Snowflakes gently danced around her, fading into her hair and clothing. She struggled to maintain her footing on the uneven snow-covered street as the group of carolers walked to the next house. Her throat ached from singing in the biting cold. Oh, for those cookies and cocoa waiting at the church....

Last night's breakup could not have come at a more inconvenient time.

Unable to back out of her commitment to the church's carolling night, she now had to deal with seeing John all night as they carolled around the neighborhood. She purposefully ignored any attempt by him to catch her attention.

Six months of my life....wasted. He thinks he can just close the door on me and waltz out of my life without so much as a “Thanks for being my greatest supporter!” The handsome young worship leader had received an invitation to lead worship at one of the largest churches in the nearby city. He apparently had forgotten that her father had allowed him to lead worship at their small church only at her prompting. Now that others had noticed his talent, he had no need of an insignificant suburban girl.

The group paused in front of a lighted two-story house. A few strands of Christmas lights lay across the hedges; a cheerful wreath hung on the door. One of the children ran to ring the doorbell.

“We Wish You A Merry Christmas, folks. Page two.” John brushed snowflakes off the guitar and prepped the group for the next carol.

An elderly couple peered out their door and laughed in surprise. They opened it and stepped out to listen as the church members belted out the cheerful Christmas carol.

Jenny sang clearly, adding her distinctive harmony to the chorus of voices. She faced the house and deliberately willed herself to appear joyful despite her turbulent feelings. The homeowners smiled and whispered to each other as the carolers sang, clearly not expecting this kind of Christmas cheer in their neighborhood. Jenny felt a small joy rising up inside as she noticed their spirits lifting. Who really does carolling anymore? We do it every year – dad's orders – but even if we're the only ones, how amazing is that for a neighborhood that may not know Christ's love?

As the song finished, the carollers called out season's greetings. “Merry Christmas!” “Be blessed this season!” “Joy to you and your family!” “God's blessings!” The couple beamed and waved as the group moved on down the street. Jenny smiled genuinely, truly grateful for a moment outside of her own feelings.

Suddenly John appeared at her elbow. “Jenny, I know you've been avoiding me. And I probably deserve it,” he spoke quickly. “But please, listen to me for a second.”

“John....”

“Maybe I was a bit vague in explaining why I wanted to end our relationship.”

“Your point?”

He paused, then began again. “No matter what happens, I want you to have your focus on Jesus, not on me, or any other guy. Jesus is far more deserving of your adoration.”

As he stepped away, her face grew red as she realized the complete logic of his soft rebuke. Throughout their relationship, she had struggled to keep her eyes on Jesus and not him. Though she had known this, she had kept the idea pushed down in her mind, deeply desiring the love of a man.He's right, Jesus. I've said You're my Lord, but my actions haven't shown it.

The group stopped in front of a large home, bright Christmas lights running the length and width of both yard and house. As the child ran to ring the doorbell, Jenny turned her eyes to the Christmas carol on the page below. O Come, All Ye Faithful. How faithful have I really been?

A young family with an excited German shepherd appeared at the door. As they strained to hold back the dog, they smiled as the carollers began their song.

“O come all ye faithful....”

Joyous voices rang into the chilly December air, true worship sounding out from the familiar Christmas carol. Jenny's voice rose with a new confidence, as she began to form in her heart a real commitment to adore her Savior. “Glory to God, glory in the highest! O come let us adore Him....”

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I don't understand why Jenny didn't just stay home. I would have. One less caroler would usually be no big deal...and it seems like the fellow picked a strange time to talk to her...it's probably just too-logical me thinking "would it really happen like that?"

Good story with a great message. It is so easy to focus on a person more than the Lord. I'm glad Jenny saw the truth and could accept it. I didn't like John much for some reason, even though he gave wise advice. Good descriptions. Well done.

You had me from the first line of this story and held me throughout. I didn't like John either. He could have gently explained these things as they were dating. But I love the message. It's true in all relationships. God Bless. Great Job!